Magnolia went off to a good start before putting up an even better finish to rip San Miguel Beer, 94-66, and remain spotless through eight games in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, July 9.

James Laput continues to become a force inside the paint for Magnolia. (PBA Images)

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The Hotshots bared their relentless and suffocating defense, limiting the Beermen to a measly nine points in the fourth quarter while fueling their transition attack to also score 28 points and complete the romp.

James Laput anchored Magnolia on both ends of the floor with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds while Jerrick Ahanmisi took care of the offense after dropping eight of his 13 points in the pivotal fourth quarter explosion.

Calvin Abueva was also a beast on the boards in his first game in the preseason exhibition with 16 rebounds while also adding nine points. Abu Tratter and Jio Jalalon also chipped in 11 apiece.

Magnolia actually started out strong in the contest, building a double-digit spread early which it also managed to protect at the end of the first half, 48-35.

With SMB slowly getting its offensive rhythm going in the second half and even cutting the Magnolia lead down to just six points at one point in the third frame, the Hotshots turned to their strength and tightened up the defensive screws against the Beermen.

Magnolia held SMB scoreless for five minutes midway through the period, during which the Hotshots uncorked a 14-0 run that built a 27-point lead with two minutes left.

Jericho Cruz paced the still depleted Beermen with 15 points while Rodney Brondial added a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.